Barcelona are leading Real Betis 2-0 at half time in La Liga this evening, but Argentinean playmaker Lionel Messi has been substituted following an injury.
Bottom-placed Betis had the first chance of the game when Jordi Figueras found Xavi Torres inside the box, but the midfielder's header flew over the crossbar.
Barca grew into the game and threatened when Neymar worked his way past the Betis defence to cut the ball back for Messi, who was not able to add the final touch.
The visitors were then dealt a blow as Messi had to be replaced by Andres Iniesta following what appeared to be an innocuous challenge with Nono.
The injury did not seem to deter Barca, however, as Pedro produced a good cross that allowed Neymar to convert with ease.
The provider then turned scorer two minutes later when Pedro completed a superb run to place a curling finish into the top corner, leaving Barca 2-0 ahead at the break.
Christopher Dodd
